Are + Be is the debut on Fine Records from Canadian born singer and gimmick rapper . Now a resident of Berlin introduces us to his "version of pop in 2004" a fusion of electro, indie, hip hop, Pop, comedy and r&b (in its most intellectual incarnation) all encased in tight production with a fondness for the ironic. Postmodern pop or arty balderdash?
Are + Be (get it? Are and Be) is apparently a contrast to the commercial end of r&b which has flooded the mainstream in recent years but it is so far away from it that I'm not sure its actually r&b at all. Its much more MTV2 than MTV Base that's for sure. The title itself is an indication that this album (supposedly) has meaning, content and style. That being said what of the music?
Well, the 15 track self produced album marches on at a considered pace and the slipper wearing artist proclaims it to be "a musical equation for time travel". This may well be homage to the 80's electro influence which permeates the whole album particularly 'Your Mocking Me', (Blue Monday for the 04). Or it could be the fact that while listening to the album you do seem to loose time, literally. Depending on your take on the music that can
be a good and bad thing. 'Catch a Moment in Time' for instance is both.
Don't get me wrong the beats on the album are okay and the production is on point but sometimes the singing is random and the raps leave you asking is he taking the p***? Lines such as "Squat ya house muthaf***as, I read ya Faust Muthaf***as" from the inventively titled 'Mickey Mouse Muthaf***as' do not make me jump with glee. I mean just because it rhymes does not make it rap.
However I may be I'm missing the gist or maybe I really get it, the fact that his name is MOCKy is not lost on me. Its all very clever, trendy and fresh in its attempt to take music in a new direction if a little too affected. To be fair his focus, lack of regard for the conventional and clear intention to mark himself separate from the mainstream is to be commended. Nevertheless this artist seems to be intent on leaving a mark on the minds his fans (but thankfully not mine). has definitely had too much time on his hands to explore his intellectual curiosity for music.
I cannot classify his sound but in an attempt to be thorough here goes. If you threw Plastic Bertrand, Chris Rea, New Order (Blue Monday), Fun Lovin' Criminals (Huey), Kraftwork, Roxy Music and the Rock Steady Crew in a blender out would pour and he tastes a bit rank. Harsh I may be but if you went out and purchased this confused attempt at eccentric modern art in music form you would not thank me for my restraint.
There is little justification for the hype although 'Seeing Things' is a witty conjunction where 's vocals and lyrics are up to the standard of his backing track. It's his look into the future with satirical comment on the present. Catchy with smart observations such as "I see Will Smith for President in 2024" and "I see things big and I see things small that's how I know Jermaine wrote Off The Wall". It is a point in my opinion, where the album and the artist are somewhat explained; it all comes together the production, the irony and the vocals. 'Just Need Time' is another welcome addition it is a moody affirmation of love and trust featuring Fiest where Her sweet airy attitude filled vocal intertwines with his languid husky speak-singing on an electro pop bed. But he rarely hits a recognisable note and she adds all the essence. Also 'How will I Know' you with Jamie Lidell adds a little welcome funk to the mix. On most of the other tracks it seems that one of these ingredients is missing and so they miss the mark set by the artist.
Essentially I think is a performance artist as much of this album sounds like something you would want to see, it feels like your missing out on some visual fun. But maybe I just don't get it because I know that he is an underground hero and I am not sure if this will get him over (if that is the aim) the problem is if you don't get the whole thing your left a bit lost. It's not offensive on the ear (its irritable and confused) but you can listen without hearing.. Then again maybe I'm just not arty enough.
Oh, and while we're on the subject what does the unmade bed signify? Maybe has a view on this that he'd like to share?
Record Label: Fine Records
Words By: Rachel Webb
